Where to eat near La Jolla’s new Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center

Red wine-braised beef cheeks from George’s California Modern is culinary art on a plate.

Courtesy photo

With neighborhoods like Little Italy, North Park and Carlsbad have edged it out for culinary cachet, La Jolla isn’t always the first place that pops into hungry non-La Jollans’ minds. Friday’s opening of the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center is sure to change that tune.

With its gorgeous setting, landmark restaurants and top-line chefs, La Jolla has long been one of the region’s top dining destinations.

But as neighborhoods like Little Italy, North Park and Carlsbad have edged it out for culinary cachet, La Jolla isn’t always the first place that pops into hungry non-La Jollans’ minds.

Friday’s opening of the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center is sure to change that tune. The $82 million, state-of-the-art venue is the new home of the La Jolla Music Society and will also host a world-class roster of performers.

If you’re planning to eat up all that culture and it’s been a while since you’ve been to La Jolla — or are looking for a new place to try — here’s our first-string list of where to dine.

The concert masters

Bistro Du Marché: A Parisian classic from chef Jean-Michel Diot, who had to close his beloved Tapanade to make room for the concert hall. Tuesday and Wednesday night specials — moules frites, $20, and steak frites, $28, respectively — and happy hour prices are a steal. And Tapanade favorites like escargots de Bourgogne, ravioli aux champignons and Íle Flottante all get another encore here. 7437 Girard Ave., La Jolla. (858) 551-7500.bistrodumarche.net

Isola Pizza Bar: One our favorite Italian restaurants in all of San Diego County, Isola excels at recreating the down-home taste of Italy, just like chef Massimo Tenino’s nonna, Isola, used to make — but in a thoroughly stylish and modern setting. The wood-fire oven turns out crispy, tasty pizza and smoky dishes like charred octopus. We’re partial to the perfect pasta. 7734 Girard Ave., La Jolla. (858) 412-5566.isolapizzabar.com

After undergoing a $300,000 renovation in 2017, the dining room at Nine-Ten is now as vibrant as the food.

Herringbone: See and be seen at this stylish and lively seafood-centric eatery, while the lounge features a $1 per shuck Oyster Hour. 7837 Herschel Ave., La Jolla. (858) 459-0221.herringboneeats.com/locations/la-jolla

Manhattan: Old-school New York-Italian charm and cuisine, down to the linguini with clam sauce and chicken parm. At the Empress Hotel, 766 Fay Ave., La Jolla. (858) 459-0700.manhattanoflajolla.com

Whisknladle: A consistent culinary trend-setter that has packed them in for more than a decade and where local and artisan aren’t buzz words, but guiding principles. 1044 Wall St., La Jolla. (858) 551-7575. whisknladle.com